Dawgs Losing Focus for Western Carolina

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - The Georgia Bulldogs are trying to get over the letdown from their SEC-opening loss to South Carolina as they prepare for Western Carolina on Saturday.

Coach Mark Richt says he has noticed a drop in intensity in practice for the Catamounts, who have an 11-game losing streak that includes a 62-0 loss at Florida to end last season and a 52-6 loss to Alabama to open this season.

This should be a week for Richt to explore his depth, especially on offense where coaches are eager to see more of backup linemen Vince Vance, Clint Boling and Kiante Tripp.

Richt revealed that coaches already have been seeing more of freshman tailback Caleb King of Norcross with the starters in practice. King has been held out of the first two games, but his chances for playing improved when senior Kregg Lumpkin suffered a broken thumb against Oklahoma State.

Backup running back Jason Johnson has neck and thumb injuries.

Senior Thomas Brown and redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno shared the playing time at tailback against South Carolina. Brown had 12 carries for 49 yards. Moreno led the Bulldogs in rushing for the second straight week, gaining 104 yards on 14 carries in the 16-12 loss.

Richt said he also hopes to see more of freshman tight ends Bruce Figgins and NaDerris Ward. Figgins caught a touchdown pass against Oklahoma State when starter Tripp Chandler served a one-game suspension.

Chandler returned to start and make three catches for 44 yards against South Carolina.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.